You can be on Entrepreneur’s cover!

'Harvard Should Be Ashamed': Kim Kardashian Slammed For Giving Lecture at Harvard Business School Kardashian visited Boston on Friday with Skims co-founder Jens Grede to talk to students about the shapewear company.

By Emily Rella

entrepreneur daily

Though she might not be best known for her business acumen and entrepreneurial knowledge, it goes without saying that reality star Kim Kardashian knows a thing or two about running a successful empire.

But not everyone is sold on Kardashian being the one to dole out advice. The star faced backlash on social media over the weekend for giving a speech at Harvard Business School.

Kardashian visited HBS in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Friday with Skims co-founder Jens Grede to talk to students about the shapewear company for nearly two hours as a part of a direct-to-consumer seminar.

Though cameras did follow her around campus, the seminar itself was not filmed.

Related: Kim Kardashian Says Her 20-Year Reign of Relevance Is Thanks to This One Personality Trait

Many took to Twitter to criticize Harvard's decision to invite the 42-year-old to speak at the highly reputable institution.

"I'd hate to pay that Harvard tuition $$$$ to only get her as a speaker," one user bluntly wrote. "Do Better, Harvard."

Not everyone was anti-Kardashian, though. Many pointed to the success of her multiple business endeavors as grounds for credibility.

"I don't get what the hate is about. A bunch of jealous people," one user pointed out. "The reality is, she wasn't born ultra wealthy. She created a company, leveraged her talents, and built a brand."

Kardashian's Skims brand doubled in valuation last year after a $240 million financing round led by hedge fund Lone Pine Capital and investment firm D1 Capital Partners.

The company is currently estimated to be worth around $3.2 billion.

Though Kardashian has quite an impressive business portfolio, the bulk of her non-endorsement-deal earnings come from majority equity stakes in Skims and her beauty line, KKW Beauty, in which she sold a 20% stake for $200 million in 2020.

Kardashian's net worth is estimated to be $1.4 billion.

Emily Rella

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

This Fan-Favorite Masters 2024 Item Is Still $1.50 as Tournament Menu Appears Unscathed by Inflation

The pimento cheese sandwich is a tradition almost as big as the tournament itself.

Business Solutions

Save an Extra 20% on the Ultimate Microsoft Bundle Featuring Windows 11 Pro, Office, and More

Pick up this package of popular Microsoft products for only a fraction of the price through April 16.

Business Solutions

Visualize Data for Better Business: MS Visio is $23.99 Through April 16

Set your team up for success with a reliable tool for creating organizational charts, diagrams, and more.

Business News

I Designed My Dream Home For Free With an AI Architect — Here's How It Works

The AI architect, Vitruvius, created three designs in minutes, complete with floor plans and pictures of the inside and outside of the house.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business Solutions

Scan Easier and More Affordably with This 20% Discount

iScanner is a mobile app that makes document management, editing, and sharing easier.